Generalized soft finite element method for elliptic eigenvalue problems

The recently proposed soft finite element method (SoftFEM) reduces the stiffness (condition numbers), consequently improving the overall approximation accuracy. The method subtracts a least-square term that penalizes the gradient jumps across mesh interfaces from the FEM stiffness bilinear form while maintaining the system's coercivity. Herein, we present two generalizations for SoftFEM that aim to improve the approximation accuracy and further reduce the discrete systems' stiffness. Firstly and most naturally, we generalize SoftFEM by adding a least-square term to the mass bilinear form. Superconvergent results of rates h⁶ and h⁸ for eigenvalues are established for linear uniform elements; h⁸ is the highest order of convergence known in the literature. Secondly, we generalize SoftFEM by applying the blended Gaussian-type quadratures. We demonstrate further reductions in stiffness compared to traditional FEM and SoftFEM. The coercivity and analysis of the optimal error convergences follow the work of SoftFEM. Thus, this paper focuses on the numerical study of these generalizations. For linear and uniform elements, analytical eigenpairs, exact eigenvalue errors, and superconvergent error analysis are established. Various numerical examples demonstrate the potential of generalized SoftFEMs for spectral approximation, particularly in high-frequency regimes.